The Los Gatos­Saratoga Recreation Department will hold classes this fall for elementary, middle and high school students who want to further develop their public-speaking and debate skills. Classes will be taught by college professors and high school debate coaches.

The public-speaking classes begin Sept. 17 to 19, and debate classes begin Sept. 15 to 19. Classes meet for one hour a week through December. Although a few of the classes have started, there is open registration, so interested participants are still encouraged to register. For more information or to register, stop by the recreation department at 19655 Allendale Ave. in Saratoga, call 408.868.1248 or visit http://www.saratoga.ca.us/recreation.htm.


A kindergarten forum on Sept. 20

Administrators, teachers and parents can learn about the importance of using gardens in early education at a Kindergarten Forum on Sept. 20, 9 a.m. Marianne Swan, the founder and director of Community Preschool, which is sponsored by the City of Saratoga, will present her garden-based preschool program at the Community Preschool, 13777A Fruitvale Ave. in Saratoga.

Educator Betty Peck will speak about the life of German educationist Friedrich Froebel and review his contributions to understanding the needs of young children, which are still relevant today. A harvest potluck and garden craft will follow at the Peck residence, 14275 Saratoga Ave. Reservations are required, and a $40 donation is suggested. For more information, call Peck at 408.867.3156 or visit http://www.kindergarten-forum.com.


Mentor group will come to Saratoga

Insight College Prep Centers, a private group founded by Stanford graduates that mentors high school students about the college-planning process, will offer a free seminar for parents and students about the college-admissions process for private and public schools. The seminar will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Southwest YMCA, 13500 Quito Road in Saratoga. For more information or to RSVP, call Jennifer Wang at 408.252.5050.